Sikeston takes back SEMO Conference tournament crown

sports@standard-democrat.com

KENNETT -- The Sikeston volleyball team took back their SEMO Conference tournament crown Thursday after a straight-set win over Kennett 25-22, 25-22.

This is Sikeston's sixth tournament championship in the last seven years after a hiatus from last year's championship.

Sikeston defeated last year's title winners, New Madrid County Central, in the semifinals 25-12 and 25-12 to advance to the championship round.

The Lady Bulldogs (12-17-1) were led in kills by Esther Chinwuko who had 16. Morgan Merrill added 11 -- including nine against Kennett -- and Lauren Beydler led with 46 assists.

"Tonight was a total team effort," Sikeston head coach Steve Beydler said. "It was a fun, incredible match to be a part of. Both teams were pushing hard and wouldn't give in."

After winning the first set, Kennett opened the second with an 8-2 lead. Following a lot of lead changes and ties, Sikeston found themselves down 19-16 towards the end of the match. They managed to rattle off a 9-3 run capped off by a Merrill kill.

"I can't be more pleased and proud of the way they played," Beydler said. "There were balls that usually would have fell but someone came out of nowhere to get them. Everybody was so involved. It was incredible to watch the team spirit. It was a cool, electric feeling on both sides."

Sedara Williams added six kills, two blocks and one ace in both the semifinals and finals while Olivia Nash chipped in three kills, two aces and one block. Hannah Cooper had four aces and Morgan Poindexter had three aces as well.

Chinwuko, Beydler and Nash all made the SEMO All-Conference first team. Larysa McClellan was named to the honorable mention squad.

This was the last year of the five-team conference tournament including Sikeston, NMCC, Kennett, Oran and Charleston. Next season it will expand to a 10-team conference.